Review

Spider-Man 2 surprised a lot of people by being not
just a "comic book movie," but a great movie not hurt by its
"lightweight" source. Similarly, I was also surprised - but not by
the film. Rather, the soundtrack wasn't just a generic "soundtrack
album," but a good rock album. This is a collection that, for once, lives
up to the "songs inspired by" tag that often accompanies
airplay-friendly discs comprised of songs not found in the film they're
associated with. Yes, there's much angst to be found in the songs, but
considering the movie, it's quite appropriate. Maybe not all the songs were
written for the film, but even if not, they still largely support its themes.

One example is found in the powerful lead track,
"Vindicated," by Dashboard Confessional, which can be interpreted as
a Peter Parker anthem. This continues with the Train song,
"Ordinary," going into the head of Peter, stuck loving Mary Jane
Watson. Likewise, Yellowcard delivers a "new rock" friendly tune in
"Gifts and Curses," revealing a Peter who can't stop thinking about
Mary Jane, and as such is inspired to continue fighting crime. When was the
last time in modern rock that the singers and guitars stepped back to allow a
violin and piano to show off? Strong work. The seemingly-ubiquitous Maroon 5
delivers a chilled-out groove, again singing of about a man trying to
understand his all-consuming love for the unnamed woman who doesn't return his
affections. The Ataris contribute "The Night That the Lights Went Out in
NYC." Yes, this deals with Peter's longing for Mary Jane; well, it seems
it does. Smile Empty Soul's contribution reveals Peter Parker's resignation to
his crime-fighting persona as his role in life.

"Give It Up" by Midtown brings some of their
punk/pop blend to the album, and fits in well with the film's frustrated
romance of Peter and Mary Jane. Even if not specifically written for the film,
it works. Jimmy Gnecco (of Ours) and Brian May (of Queen and performing
magnificently) contribute a love ballad that one could use to describe the love
of Peter for Mary Jane and vice versa by the end of the movie In this vein,
Australia's Jet delivers a tune directed at Mary Jane, possibly admonishing her
return to Peter Parker.

I couldn't find a Spider-Man 2 tie-in for every song on
the album; the Welsh group lostprophets delivers a crunchy tune that might be
applied to Spider-Man getting the snot beaten out of him, which works for a
metal band. A harder Hoobastank sings about stacking full advantage of one's
life. Ana Johnsson's "We Are" is angsty and has guitars and has
something to do with power and control, but had no apparent relationship to the
film.

There are two tracks from the film's Danny Elfman score, one
suite for the protagonist and antagonist each. They're nice for those who appreciate
orchestral music; a more in-depth look can be found at SoundtrackNet's Spider-Man
2 score review. Like the largely lyric-free score album, this rock one is
worthy of examination, and so gets four out of five stars.